Compact dynamic simulator of the human gastrointestinal system

ABSTRACT

A gastrointestinal simulator system includes a thermoregulated bath, two glass beakers situated within the thermoregulated water bath, and a pump. The beakers simulate the stomach and intestines and are coupled together using a tube. A sieve, positioned within the “stomach,” has a plurality of 2 mm holes on its surface to mimic in vivo conditions, where only particles smaller than 2 mm in diameter are transferred to the “intestines.” These collected particles move from “stomach” (specifically, from the sieve) to the “intestines” through the tube coupling the beakers. Cameras may be located inside the water bath for monitoring/recording of the digestion. Alerts, such as voice alerts, may be generated to notify users of any important information and instructions. After digestion, reports of the digestion are automatically generated and stored in a data repository. One or more users are notified that the reports are available for access.

BENEFIT CLAIM

This application is a divisional of U.S. non-provisional applicationSer. No. 17/835,750, titled “Compact Dynamic Simulator of the HumanGastrointestinal System,” filed Jun. 8, 2022, which claims the benefitunder 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of provisional application 63/303,148, filedJan. 26, 2022, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Theapplicant(s) hereby rescind any disclaimer of claim scope in the parentapplication(s) or the prosecution history thereof and advise the USPTOthat the claims in this application may be broader than any claim in theparent application(s).

TECHNICAL FIELD

One technical feature of the present disclosure is a dynamic simulatorof the human stomach and small intestine digestion. The disclosurerelates, in particular, to an in vitro digestion model that simulateshuman gastrointestinal conditions.

BACKGROUND

The approaches described in this section are approaches that could bepursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previouslyconceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it shouldnot be assumed that any of the approaches described in this sectionqualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in thissection.

Studying human digestibility of food is an essential step in the foodindustry, especially when new and innovative products are beingdeveloped. This is particularly important in the plant-based foodindustry, where every day new products are created, using unique andoften completely new ingredients.

Digestion models can be categorized as either in vitro models or in vivomodels. In certain situations, in vitro digestion models are preferredover in vivo digestion models because of their easy implementation,rapid sample processing and data acquisition, and not needing to useanimals.

However, traditional in vitro digestion models are costly andinaccessible to most low-resource development teams and countries.Additionally, these traditional in vitro digestion models have beenbuilt to be of high capacity (volume). As such, the amounts of reagentsand food products to be added during digestion is high, which makesthese traditional digestion models expensive to operate.

What is needed is a simulator that allows the simulation of humangastrointestinal conditions, on a laboratory scale and at a lowerproduction and operating cost, and that can be easily built.

SUMMARY

The appended claims may serve as a summary of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of an example system, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 1B shows a graphical image depicting a desktop gastrointestinalsimulator system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example sieve, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example lid, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example paddle, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example system control flow, according to anembodiment.

FIGS. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate example graphical user interfaceimplementations, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 6C-6F illustrate example digital files, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method of using the desktopgastrointestinal simulator system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of a computing device in which theexample embodiment(s) of the present invention may be embodied.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of a basic software system forcontrolling the operation of a computing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however,that the present invention may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shownin block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thepresent invention.

Embodiments are described herein in sections according to the followingoutline:

-   -   1.0 GENERAL OVERVIEW    -   2.0 STRUCTURAL OVERVIEW    -   3.0 FUNCTIONAL OVERVIEW    -   4.0 GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE IMPLEMENTATIONS    -   5.0 PROCEDURAL OVERVIEW    -   6.0 HARDWARE OVERVIEW    -   7.0 SOFTWARE OVERVIEW    -   8.0 OTHER ASPECTS OF DISCLOSURE

1.0 General Overview

The human gastrointestinal system has several organs, including thestomach, and small and large intestines. Techniques described hereinrelate to a dynamic, in vitro digestion model that replicates chemicaland physical conditions of the stomach and the intestines. Inembodiments of the digestion model of the present invention, a vesselsimulates the stomach and mixes and digests food, while gastricelectrolyte and enzyme solutions are delivered to the stomach vessel.The stomach vessel, connected to another vessel that simulates theintestines, is where specific physiological in vivo conditions arereplicated to digest food. The dynamic digestion model is a low cost,low volume (capacity) simulator of the human gastrointestinal system,that can be easily built and operated on a laboratory scale.

Traditional simulators include SHIME (Simulator of Human IntestinalMicrobial Ecosystem), SIMGI (SIMulator Gastro-Intestinal), TIM (TNOGastro-Intestinal Model), and TIM2 (TNO Gastro-Intestinal Model of thecolon). While these traditional simulators are excellentgastrointestinal simulators and are positioned as benchmarks in themarket and in scientific studies of different food products andingredients, they represent costly systems that are inaccessible to mostlow-resource countries. Additionally, these traditional simulators havebeen built to be of high capacity (volume), going from 200 to 400 mL,depending on the model. As such, the amounts of reagents and foodproducts to be added is high, which makes these traditional simulatorsexpensive to operate.

As further described herein, the dynamic digestion model of the presentinvention is a compact gastrointestinal simulator system that canoperate on a desktop. In an embodiment, the gastrointestinal simulatorsystem includes off the shelf components, keeping costs low, and 3Dprinted parts, making the gastrointestinal simulator system easilycustomizable. For example, the gastrointestinal simulator systemincludes a thermoregulated bath, two glass beakers situated within thethermoregulated water bath, and a pump. The beakers simulate the stomachand intestines and are coupled together using a tube. The pumpfacilitates emptying or movement of gastric food bolus from the“stomach” to the “intestines” through the tube. Lids for the glassbeakers, stirrer paddles, and a sieve are 3-D printed. The sieve has aplurality of 2 mm pores across its surface to mimic, when in use, invivo conditions where only particles smaller than 2 mm in diameter aretransferred from the stomach to the intestines. Cameras may be locatedinside the water bath for monitoring/recording the digestion. (The term“digestion” refers to gastric digestion, intestinal digestion, or both,depending on context. Here, the term “digestion” refers to both gastricdigestion and intestinal digestion.) Alerts, such as voice alerts, maybe generated to notify users of any important information andinstructions. After the digestion is completed, reports of the digestionare automatically generated and stored in a data repository forsubsequent retrieval. One or more users may be automatically notifiedthat the reports are available for access.

In one aspect, a desktop gastrointestinal simulator system is provided.The desktop gastrointestinal simulator system comprises a tank, agastric compartment, and an intestinal compartment. The gastriccompartment is positioned inside the tank and includes a first vessel, afirst lid for securing to the first vessel, and a sieve for collectingparticles smaller than a particular size. The intestinal compartment isalso positioned inside the thermoregulated bath and includes a secondvessel, and a second lid for securing to the second vessel. The systemalso includes a delivery channel (e.g., tube) coupling the gastriccompartment and the intestinal compartment, wherein the particlescollected by the sieve are transferred from the gastric compartment tothe intestinal compartment through the delivery channel. The sievecomprises an interior chamber, a plurality of pores on at least asurface of the sieve such that the particles smaller than the particularsize enter through the plurality of pores into the interior chamber ofthe sieve, and a hole sized and configured to receive the deliverychannel coupling the gastric compartment and the intestinal compartment.

In another aspect, an in vitro simulator of the human gastrointestinalsystem is provided. The in vitro simulator comprises a thermoregulatedbath maintained a specific temperature, a first beaker positioned insidethe thermoregulated bath, wherein an opening of the first beaker iscovered by a first lid, wherein the first beaker includes a sieveconfigured to separate out particles smaller than a particular size, asecond beaker positioned inside the thermoregulated bath, wherein anopening of the second beaker is covered by a second lid, and a deliverychannel passing through the first lid and the second lid, wherein thedelivery channel includes a first channel end coupling with the sieveand a second channel end positioned inside the second beaker. The invitro simulator mimics in vivo conditions of the human gastrointestinalsystem.

Advantages of the gastrointestinal simulator system of the presentinvention has at least the following advantages:

-   -   Beakers as containers for the stomach and intestine: Traditional        simulators use sophisticated containers for the stomach that are        jacketed to be heated with water passing between the walls. In        contrast, the containers used in the gastrointestinal simulator        system of the present invention are glass beakers that are        readily available in the market, and the heating system used is        a thermoregulated water bath where the beakers are placed.    -   A low-cost system: The construction and development cost of the        gastrointestinal simulator system is approximately $2,400 USD.    -   A low-volume system: The gastrointestinal simulator system is a        low volume system that can be run at different volumes of        sample, which reduces costs of enzymes and reagents for the        total system of the present invention and, consequently,        operating costs.    -   Alerts: The gastrointestinal simulator system has an        incorporated alert system that alerts a user of the different        steps during digestion. The alert system provides at least        visual alerts and audible alerts. The alert system may also        provide alerts via personal devices, such as mobile phones.    -   Continuous and automated controls: Software for the        gastrointestinal simulator system allows continuous, dynamic,        and automated control of the gastrointestinal simulator system.        This software allows, for example, for the control of pumps, pH        control, voice alert, and time monitoring. The software also, at        the end of each digestion run or experiment, automatically        generates a report(s) with all the details of the samples,        volumes, time, pH levels, temperatures, and other relevant        information described herein. This software can be        modified/updated by a user.    -   3-D printed: Various parts, such as lids of the containers, can        be redesigned by a user. For example, holes can be        added/eliminated by changing a corresponding 3D template.    -   Quick set up: The gastrointestinal simulator system can be set        up quickly by purchasing certain parts (all easily accessible)        and custom printing out other parts, such as lids, stirrer        paddles, and sieve.    -   Camera monitoring: The gastrointestinal simulator system has        cameras for monitoring. These cameras are located inside the        water bath and allow the monitoring of digestion. The cameras        may revolve around the containers to obtain images of the        digestion from different perspectives.    -   Manual intervention: The gastrointestinal simulator system        allows for physical, manual intervention to be carried out,        simultaneously with the automated process provided by the        software. For example, if a pH problem is detected but cannot be        automatically resolved, a user can physically open a valve to        release hydrochloric acid to finish adjusting the pH, by        pressing a button or the like.    -   Compact size: The size of the gastrointestinal simulator system        makes it suitable for installation in almost any laboratory        since its compact configuration takes very little space. For        example, in an embodiment, the water bath has dimensions of 124        cm (width) by 61 cm (depth) by 90 cm (height), which includes        components such as beakers and cameras. Other traditional        systems are larger and take more space than the gastrointestinal        simulator system.

Other embodiments, aspects, features, and advantages will becomeapparent from the reminder of the disclosure as a whole.

2.0 Structural Overview

FIG. 1A shows a block diagram of an example system 100 that simulateshuman gastrointestinal conditions, according to in an embodiment. Thesystem 100 includes a gastric compartment 102, an intestinal compartment104, a tank 106, a peristaltic pump 108, one or more optional cameras110, a computing device 112, and a data repository 114. The gastriccompartment 102 includes a beaker 102 a (herein referred to as G-beaker102 a), a lid 102 b (herein referred to as G-lid 102 a), and a sieve 102c. The intestinal compartment 104 includes a beaker 104 a (hereinreferred to as I-beaker 104 a) and a lid 104 b (herein referred to asI-lid 104 b). At least the computing device 112, the data repository114, the tank 106, the peristaltic pump 108, and one or more optionalcameras 110 may be coupled via direct communication links and/or via oneor more networks (directly and/or indirectly).

The system 100 also includes tubes (e.g., sampling tubes, solutiondelivery tubes, and gastric bolus delivery tube), sensors (e.g., pHmeters, thermometer), valves, syringes, stirrers, solution sources(e.g., of hydrochloric acid and gastric solution, electrolyte solution,sodium hydroxide solution, etc.), optional revolving elements forpositioning/orienting the cameras 110, and an optional rack for holdingone or more elements of the system 100 above the tank 106. The computingdevice 112 and certain elements of the system 100, such as sensors,valves, stirrers, and revolving element may be also coupled via directcommunication links and/or via one or more networks, for automatedcontrol/activation.

The system 100, as discussed herein, is a compact desktop system thatsimulates the human gastrointestinal conditions on a laboratory scaleand in a dynamic manner. The system 100, when in use, runs or otherwiseincludes two different phases: a gastric phase and an intestinal phase.The gastric compartment 102 is used for gastric digestion during thegastric phase, while the intestinal compartment 104 is used intestinaldigestion during the intestinal phase. The two phases can occursequentially or concurrently. For example, in operation, the system 100begins with the gastric phase and ends with the intestinal phase. Thegastric phase begins prior to the intestinal phase beginning. Afterwhich, the gastric phase and the intestinal phase occur simultaneously.The gastric phase ends prior to the intestinal phase ending.

Prior to the gastric phase, oral food bolus is obtained. In anembodiment, oral food bolus is obtained from an oral phase. For example,during the oral phase, a food processor can be used to mince food (e.g.,burger, fish, cabbage, apple pie, etc.). An example food processor formincing food is described in co-pending provisional application63/322,284, filed Mar. 22, 2022, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.The minced food is mixed with a salivary solution and amylase (ifneeded) for, in an embodiment, two minutes, at 37° C. or 98.6° F., toform the oral food bolus.

During the gastric phase, the gastric compartment 102 simulates gastricdigestion in an automated and/or dynamic manner. The gastric digestionis performed in the G-beaker 102 a with the G-lid 102 b covering theopening of the G-beaker 102 a and the sieve 102 c positioned inside theG-beaker 102 a to collect particles smaller than a particular size(e.g., 2 mm in diameter). In an embodiment, the G-beaker 102 a is a 250mL glass beaker (or another sized glass beaker), the G-lid 102 b is apolylactic acid (PLA) lid printed using a 3D printer, and the sieve 102c is a PLA sieve printed using a 3D printer.

In an embodiment, the G-lid 102 b includes a plurality of holes,including holes for (1) oral food bolus inlet, where oral food bolus tobe digested is added in the G-beaker 102 a, (2) a pH meter to monitorthe pH of matter inside the G-beaker 102 a, (3) a sampling tubeconnected to a syringe for sampling from the G-beaker 102 a, (4) astirrer having to a motor to mix the matter inside the G-beaker 102 aduring digestion, (5) a solution delivery tube for hydrochloric acid(HCl) and gastric solution, (6) a solution delivery tube for enzymesolution, and (7) the gastric food bolus delivery tube, connecting thegastric compartment 102 and the intestinal compartment 104, fortransferring gastric food bolus via the pump 108. The HCl is to controland maintain the pH of the gastric digestion at around 2.0 throughoutthe gastric phase. The G-lid 102 b is sized and adapted to close theopening of the G-beaker 102 a to ensure that the temperature insideremains constant during the gastric digestion.

In an embodiment, the sieve 102 c includes a plurality of pores. Thesieve 102 c may have a shape of a donut or any other shape. The sieve102 c may be a mesh-like component. The plurality of pores is dispersedacross at least one surface of the sieve 102 c (e.g., top surface) so toallow particles of less than 2 mm in diameter to be collected and a holeon a surface of the sieve 102 c that is sized and adapted to receive thegastric food bolus delivery tube so to allow for the transfer of thecollected particles from the “stomach” (e.g., gastric compartment 102)to the “intestine” (e.g., intestinal compartment 104), which simulatesin vivo conditions where only particles of 2 mm in diameter or smaller(referred to herein as gastric food bolus) are emptied from the stomachto the intestine.

In an embodiment, the sieve 102 c has an interior chamber for collectingthe gastric food bolus. For example, the sieve is a donut-shapecomponent made of PLA, containing at least 200 pores of 2 mm diametereach. At the beginning of the digestion process, the sieve is located atthe bottom of the G-beaker and the gastric food bolus delivery tubeconnecting the G-beaker and the I-beaker is fitted to a hole on thesieve. The external diameter of the sieve matches the internal diameterof the G-beaker so that the sieve fits within the G-beaker and does notfloat while in use. The sieve may be weighted so that the sieve remainsat the bottom of the G-beaker.

The sieve may be shaped differently. For example, the sieve may not havean interior chamber. Instead, the sieve may be a disc-shaped componentthat separates the G-beaker into two chambers: a top chamber and abottom chamber. At the beginning of the digestion process, the sieve ispositioned within the G-beaker (below the stirrer), and the gastric foodbolus delivery tube connecting the G-beaker and the I-beaker is fittedto a hole on the sieve. The diameter of the sieve matches the internaldiameter of the G-beaker so that the sieve fits within the G-beaker. Theplurality of pores across the surface of the sieve filters out particleslarger than 2 mm in diameter. Particles of 2 mm in diameter or smallerare collected in the bottom chamber of the G-beaker.

During the intestinal phase, the intestinal compartment 104 simulatesintestinal digestion in an automated and/or dynamic manner. Theintestinal digestion is performed in the I-beaker 104 a with the I-lid104 b covering the opening of the I-beaker 104 a. In an embodiment, theI-beaker 104 a is a 250 mL glass beaker (or another sized beaker), andthe I-lid 104 b is a polylactic acid (PLA) lid printed using a 3Dprinter.

In an embodiment, the I-lid 104 b includes a plurality of holes,including holes for (1) gastric food bolus inlet, where the digestedfood (e.g., gastric food bolus) coming from the gastric compartment 102enters the intestinal compartment 104, (2) a pH meter to monitor the pHof matter inside the I-beaker 104 a, (3) a sampling tube connected to asyringe for sampling from the I-beaker 104 a, (4) a stirrer having amotor to mix the matter inside the I-beaker 104 a during the digestion,(5) a solution delivery tube for the enzyme solution, and (6) a solutiontube for sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution. The NaOH is to control andmaintain the pH of the intestinal digestion at 7.0 throughout theintestinal phase. The I-lid 104 b closes the opening of the I-beaker 104a to ensure that the temperature inside remains constant during theintestinal digestion.

Using custom 3-D printed components has numerous advantages. Forexample, using a custom 3-D printed sieve, such as sieve 102 c, hasadvantages of easily modifying the sieve to be able to include, at aparticular location, the hole for the tube connecting the gastriccompartment 102 with the intestinal compartment 104. FIG. 2 illustratesan example 3-D printed sieve 200. The sieve 102 c is similarlyconfigured as the sieve 200.

The sieve 200 of FIG. 2 fits within and, during use, may be positionedat the bottom of a beaker, such as the G-beaker 102 a. The sieve 200 hasa plurality of 2 mm pores 202 across at least the top surface of thesieve 200. The plurality of 2 mm pores 202 filters solids bigger than 2mm in diameter, avoiding blockage of the tube connecting the gastriccompartment 102 with the intestinal compartment 104 and mimicking whathappens in the stomach (in vivo conditions), where only particlessmaller than 2 mm in diameter pass through the pylorus and into thesmall intestine. Particles smaller than 2 mm in diameter enter theplurality of 2 mm pores 202 into an interior chamber 204 of the sieve200. The sieve 200 also has a hole (not illustrated), on a surface(e.g., top, inner, or outer lateral surface) of the sieve 200, that issized and configured to receive the tube connecting the gastriccompartment 102 with the intestinal compartment 104. Gastric food boluslocated in the interior chamber 204 of the sieve 200 are transferred tothe intestinal compartment 104 via the tube that connects the gastriccompartment 102 with the intestinal compartment 104.

For another example, using custom 3D-printed lids, such as G-lid 102 band I-lid 104 b, has advantages of easily modifying lids to be able tosecure to beakers 102 a, 104 a and to fit and/or include as many holesas possible or required, for inlets/outlets to and from beakers. FIG. 3illustrates an example 3-D printed lid 300. The G-lid 102 b and theI-lid 104 b are similarly configured as the lid 300.

The lid 300 of FIG. 3 closes the opening of a corresponding beaker, suchas the G-beaker 102 a or the I-beaker 104 a, and ensures that thetemperature inside remains constant. The lid 300 includes at least sixholes. In FIG. 3 , the lid 300 has two larger-sized holes 302 and atleast four smaller-sized holes 304. Each of the larger-sized holes 302has a 14 mm diameter (or otherwise having a stirrer stem diameter), andeach of the smaller-sized holes 304 has a 5 mm diameter (or otherwisehaving a tube diameter). Each of the larger-sized holes 302 is sized andconfigured to receive a stirrer or a pH meter. Each of the smaller-sizedholes 304 is sized and configured to receive a tube for transferringsubstance to and from the corresponding beaker. The lid 300 has a widertop portion 306 a and a narrower bottom portion 306 b. The bottomportion 306 b is sized and configured to fit inside the correspondingbeaker while the top portion 306 a is sized and configured to sit on topof the corresponding beaker.

In an embodiment, paddles are also custom 3D-printed. A stirrer includesa stem and a paddle coupled at the bottom of the stem. FIG. 4illustrates an example 3-D printed paddle 400. The paddle 400 includes abody 402, a plurality of fins 406 along the body 402, and a hole 404sized and configured for receiving a stem (not illustrated). The stemhas a motor that controls speed of the stirrer to simulate the movementof the digestion and to mix matter inside a beaker. The paddle 400 mayinclude additional extensions or protrusions on the body 402 and/or thefins 406 to help break apart solids.

While it is discussed above that the 3D custom parts are printed usingPLA material, other suitable materials, that are compatible with acid,can be used to print the 3D custom parts.

In operation, referring back to FIG. 1A, both compartments 102, 104 aresituated inside the tank 106. The tank provides a thermoregulated bathfor the compartments 102, 104. The tank 106 may be made from plexiglassor other suitable material and includes a thermometer. In an embodiment,the thermoregulated bath is maintained at the temperature of 37° C. or98.6° F. throughout digestion. In an embodiment, the temperature of thetank 106 (bath) may be controlled/regulated using the computing device112.

In an embodiment, one or more sports (underwater) cameras 110 aresituated inside the tank 106 and communicatively coupled with thecomputing device 112, causing to display a live video feed for a user tomonitor visually and/or to record the digestion occurring in the gastriccompartment 102 and the intestinal compartment 104. Each of the cameras110 may be coupled with a revolving element which allows the camera 110to revolve around a compartment 102, 104 to capture a live feed fromdifferent angles.

Each set of pH meter and stirrer for a corresponding compartments 102,104 is inserted through holes of a corresponding lid 102 b, 104 a. ThepH meter and the stirrer (at least the paddles) are in fluidcommunication with matter inside the corresponding beaker 102 a, 104 a.Each tube in a set of solution delivery tubes for the correspondingcompartment 102, 104 has one end coupled with a solution source andanother coupled with a hole of the corresponding lid 102 b, 104 a.

The gastric food bolus tube connecting the gastric compartment 102 andintestinal compartment 104, is coupled with the peristaltic pump 108.The peristaltic pump 108 facilitates movement/emptying of digested foodfrom the gastric compartment 102 (e.g., gastric food bolus, solidssmaller than 2 mm in diameter collected by the sieve 102 c) to theintestinal compartment 104. A gastric emptying rate is determined byand/or programmed by the user at the computing device 112. In anembodiment, the gastric emptying rate follows the Elashoff equation,with β=1.65, and t_(1/2)=66.75 min for solids. The fraction of bolusremaining in the stomach is f=2^(−(t/t1/2)^β), wherein t is the time ofdelivery, t_(1/2) is the half time of gastric digestion, and β is acoefficient describing the shape of the curve. An ON/OFF switch of theperistaltic pump 108 may be manually controlled by the user. In anembodiment, the gastric food bolus tube passes through holes in the lids102 b, 104 b, and has one end coupled with the sieve 102 c and anotherend coupled with the lid 104 b. The delivery of the gastric food bolusfrom the gastric compartment 102 to the intestinal compartment 104 maybe automatically or manually activated.

The computing device 112 broadly represents one or more computers, suchas one or more desktop computers, laptop computers, server computers, aserver farm, a cloud computing platform, a parallel computer, virtualcomputing instances in public or private datacenters, and/or instancesof a server-based application.

The computing device 112 includes one or more computer programs orsequences of program instructions that are organized to implementcontrolling functions, monitoring functions, notifying functions,displaying functions, and generating functions. Programs or sequences ofinstructions organized to implement the controlling functions may bereferred to herein as a controller 112 a. Programs or sequences ofinstructions organized to implement the monitoring functions may bereferred to herein as a monitor 112 b. Programs or sequences ofinstructions organized to implement the notifying functions may bereferred to herein as a notifier 112 c. Programs or sequences ofinstructions organized to implement the displaying functions may bereferred to herein as a displayer 112 d. Programs or sequences ofinstructions organized to implement the generating functions may bereferred to herein as a generator 112 e.

In an embodiment, the controller 112 a is programmed to activate sensors(e.g., thermometer, pH meters), cameras, revolving elements, and/or thepump, to control the temperature of the tank, pH levels of matter in thecompartments, flow rates, and/or emptying solution times into thecompartments 102, 104, and to transfer particles between thecompartments 102, 104. For example, the controller 112 a controlsdelivery of HCl (to control and maintain the pH around 2.0 throughoutthe gastric phase) and gastric solution with electrolytes, and deliveryof enzyme to the G-beaker 102 a. For another example, the controller 112a controls delivery of gastric food bolus, delivery of enzymes, anddelivery of NaOH (to control and maintain the pH around 7.0 through theintestinal phase) to the I-beaker 104 a. For another example, thecontroller 112 a controls activation of a revolving element based onuser input during digestion. As an illustration, the left arrow key ofan input device (e.g., keyboard) activates the revolving element (and byextension, a coupled camera) to move or revolve clockwise, while theright arrow key of the input device activates the revolving element (andby extension, the coupled camera) to move or revolve counter-clockwise.

In an embodiment, the monitor 112 b is programmed to monitor sensor data(e.g., temperature of the tank 106, pH levels of matter in thecompartments 102, 104), the digestion time, sampling times from thecompartments 102, 104, and/or transferring times from the gastriccompartment 102 to the intestinal compartment 104.

In an embodiment, the notifier 112 c is programmed to generate aplurality of alerts (e.g., visual, audible, etc.) at different timesduring digestion. For example, the notifier 112 is able to notify theuser, via voice, email, messaging, etc., regarding remaining digestiontime, when (e.g., specific time points) samples should be drawn, when(e.g., specific time points) samples should be transferred, whengenerated files are available for access, and/or the like. The notifier112 is programmed to determine contact information (e.g., email address)based on user identifier provided for a digestion experiment and use thecontact information to automatically notify the user.

In an embodiment, the displayer 112 d is programmed to cause to displaya graphical user interface allowing the user to provide user input andto view data collected by the system 100. For example, the graphicaluser interface allows the user to provide parameters, such digestiontime, gastric phase time, an amount of each solution (e.g., electrolytesolution, enzyme solution), solution emptying times, etc. For anotherexample, the graphical user interface allows the user to visuallymonitor the gastric digestion and the intestinal digestion occurring inthe gastric compartment 102 and the intestinal compartment 104,respectively.

In an embodiment, the generator 112 e is programmed to generate andformat a plurality of different digital data reports, including a pH andtemperature report and a digestion report for a digestion experiment orrun. The generator 112 e is also programmed to generate file names forthe different digital data reports (as well as for the multimedia filesgenerated by the cameras 110, in an embodiment). The generator 112 e isalso programmed to store the plurality of different digital datareports, along with corresponding multimedia files from video recordingsin an embodiment, for the digestion experiment in the data repository114.

Computer executable instructions described herein may be in machineexecutable code in the instruction set of a CPU and may have beencompiled based upon source code written in Python, JAVA, C, C++,OBJECTIVE-C, or any other human-readable programming language orenvironment, alone or in combination with scripts in JAVASCRIPT, otherscripting languages and other programming source text. In anotherembodiment, the programmed instructions also may represent one or morefiles or projects of source code that are digitally stored in a massstorage device such as non-volatile RAM or disk storage, in the systemsof FIG. 1 or a separate repository system, which when compiled orinterpreted cause generating executable instructions which when executedcause the computer to perform the functions or operations that aredescribed herein with reference to those instructions. In other words,the figure may represent the manner in which programmers or softwaredevelopers organize and arrange source code for later compilation intoan executable, or interpretation into bytecode or the equivalent, forexecution by the computing device 112.

The computing device 112 may be coupled, indirectly or directly, to thedata repository 114 that includes an experiments database. As usedherein, the term “database” refers to a corpus of data, organized orunorganized, in any format, with or without a particular interface foraccessing the corpus of data. Each database may be implemented usingmemory, e.g., RAM, EEPROM, flash memory, hard disk drives, optical discdrives, solid state memory, or any type of memory suitable for databasestorage. In an embodiment, the experiments database includes differentdigital data reports generated by the generator 112 e and multimediafiles (e.g., videos) generated by the cameras 110. Digital data reportsgenerated by the generator 112 e and multimedia files generated by thecameras 110 may be automatically named based on, for example, samplename or experiment date, and may be automatically stored in theexperiments database according to a particular data structure thatallows the digital data reports and/or multimedia files to be servedand/or read as quickly as possible.

The elements in FIG. 1 are intended to represent one workable embodimentbut are not intended to constrain or limit the number of elements thatcould be used in other embodiments. For example, in an embodiment, thecomputing device 112 may be a server computer that hosts thegastrointestinal simulator software, which is accessible by one or moreclient computers (not illustrated) via one or more networks (notillustrated). A client computer may comprise a desktop computer, laptopcomputer, tablet computer, smartphone, or any other type of computingdevice that allows access to the computing device 112. A network broadlyrepresents a combination of one or more wireless or wired networks, suchas local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), metropolitanarea networks (MANs), global interconnected internetworks, such as thepublic internet, or a combination thereof. Each such network may use orexecute stored programs that implement internetworking protocolsaccording to standards such as the Open Systems Interconnect (OSI)multi-layer networking model, including but not limited to TransmissionControl Protocol (TCP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP), InternetProtocol (IP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and so forth. Thecomputing device 112 may be accessible over the network by a clientcomputer to start and view a digestion experiment.

FIG. 1B shows a graphical image 150 depicting a desktop gastrointestinalsimulator system. The desktop gastrointestinal simulator system is thesystem 100 described above. Elements of the system 100 compactly fit ona desk/table 168. Due to its compact size, the system 100 advantageouslytakes up minimal amount of space as compared to traditional systems andis suitable for installation in almost any laboratory. In an embodiment,the tank 106 measures approximately 124 cm (W)×61 cm (D)×90 cm (H), withcomponents such as compartments, cameras, etc., positioned within.

As shown in the graphical image 150, a hooded rack 158 is positionedover the tank 106 and the peristaltic pump 108, which is positioned nextto the tank 106. In operation, the gastric compartment 102, theintestinal compartment 104, and the cameras 110 are situated within thetank 106. The pump 108 facilitates transfer of the gastric food bolusfrom the gastric compartment 102 to the intestinal compartment 104 viathe tube 166. A pH meter 152 is coupled to each of the gastriccompartment 102 and the intestinal compartment 104 for measuring pHlevels in the corresponding compartments. A syringe 154 is coupled witheach of the tubes, which in turn are coupled with the compartments 102,104, for sampling matter therein. Other tubes for adding solutions arecoupled with pass-control valves 160, 162 for automated solutiondelivery or, alternatively, are coupled with syringes 164 for manualsolution delivery. The pass-control valves 160, 162 are also configuredfor manual intervention such that the user is able to manually addsolutions when needed. As shown in the graphical image 150, the HCl andgastric solution with electrolyte and the enzyme solution for thegastric compartment 102 are delivered via pass-control valves 160, 162,while the enzyme solution and the NaOH solution for the intestinalcompartment 104 are delivered via syringe 164. The rack 158 canstore/hold necessary solutions (e.g., HCl, NaOH, enzymes, etc.) for adigestion experiment. The rack 158 includes controls for activation ofthe pass-control valves 160, 162 for the addition of solutions into thecompartments 102, 104. In this manner, since the solution sources arestored above the compartments, the addition of solutions into thecompartments is facilitated by gravity instead of a pump. The computingdevice 112, for controlling and viewing a digestion experiment, ispositioned next to the rack 158.

As depicted in the graphical image 150, the system 100 is a compact andlow-volume system that can be quickly installed on a desk/table.Elements of the system 100 are readily available in the market and/oreasily accessible. The system 100 is affordable to build and operate dueto the nature of the elements used, making it accessible to low-resourcedevelopment teams and countries. The system 100 is an in vitro digesterthat replicates physiological in vivo conditions to digest food, asdiscussed herein.

3.0 Functional Overview

In operation, at least the computing device 112 (including thecontroller 112 a, monitor 112 b, the notifier 112 c, the displayer 112d, and the generator 112 e), the tank 106, the pump 108, the cameras110, the pH meters 152, the stirrers, the thermometer (not illustrated),the revolving elements (not illustrated), the valves 160, 162, and thedata repository 114 interoperate programmatically in an unconventionalmanner, depending on digestion experiment requirements, to simulate thehuman gastrointestinal system.

In an embodiment, the computing device 112 controls the pH levels of thedifferent phases, temperature of the water bath, reaction times,sampling times, and/or transferring times. The computing device 112allows the user to monitor gastric digestion, intestinal digestion,first emptying time, and volumes of each fluid. Additionally, extrainformation such as name of the sample, identity of a user in charge(e.g., scientist name), date of digestion experiment, and comments areadded at the beginning of the digestion experiment by the user. Once thedigestion has started and throughout it, the computing device 112 allowsthe pH levels (e.g., of the gastric phase) to be adjusted and recordsthe pH levels of the different phases and the temperature over theduration of the digestion. In addition to recording these parameters,the computing device 112 generates alerts (e.g., audible alerts), whichwelcomes the user and alerts the user with, for example, instructions tocollect and/or transfer samples. The computing device 112 visuallycaptures and/or records real-time visualization of the digestion. Thisis important as results depend on how good the sample homogenizationprocess is. The computing device 112 controls the revolving elementsand, by extension, the cameras 110. In this manner, different views ofthe gastric digestion and the intestinal digestion are captured and/orrecorded. At the end of the digestion, the computing device 112 deliversone or more digital data reports with detailed information and/or one ormore multimedia files of the digestion.

In an embodiment, the computing device 112 generates multiple digitaldata reports that are automatically formatted, named, and saved as filesof one or more different formats (e.g., EXCEL spreadsheet, text files,etc.). For example, one digital data report includes sensor data, suchas pH and temperature data, during the time of the digestion, andanother digital data report includes information used for planning thedigestion: scientist name and experiment number; initial weight of thesample and its nutrient composition; the volumes of the electrolytesolution, calcium chloride, and water for each phase; enzymes activity,their concentration and the volumes needed; concentration and volume ofacid (HCl) or base (NaOH) to add in the gastric phase or intestinalphase, respectively; volume of sampling in each phase; and a briefdescription of the user notes prior to starting the digestion.

The computing device 112 generates a file name for each of the digitaldata reports and multimedia files created for a digestion experiment,based on information provided at the beginning of the digestionexperiment by the user (e.g., experiment date) and/or based on type ofdata included in the digital data report (e.g., pH data) or content ofthe multimedia file (e.g., gastric video, intestinal video).

In an embodiment, if the data repository 114 is a file system, then$DATE/EXPERIMENT_NAME may be the directory structure for afilesystem-based data repository, where $DATE identifies the date of adigestion experiment, and $EXPERIMENT_NAME identifies a digestionexperiment. Using such as directory structure allows experiment files tobe stored together for easy, convenient access. When an API callspecifying an experiment date and an experiment name, correspondingfiles are identified and accessed. In an embodiment, the computingdevice 112 alerts a user (e.g., the user in charge) that digital filesare ready to be accessed.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example system control flow 500 of the computingdevice 112, according to an embodiment. The control flow 500 includestwo subflows 500 a, 500 b that occur simultaneously. Subflow 550 aincludes Steps 502-528, while subflow 500 b includes Steps 552-576.

Subflow 500 a pertains to visualization of the gastric and intestinalphases, recordation of annotations, and generation of digital datareports. At the beginning of a digestion experiment, the computingdevice 112 receives information, such as name of sample (e.g., oral foodbolus), sample number, weight of the sample, identity of a user (e.g.,scientist name), date, and optional comments, as input in a graphicaluser interface (GUI) from the user at Step 502. When the user clicks ona “submit and start” button, in an embodiment, after the information isinput, the computing device 112 generates a welcome alert at Step 504and begins a time loop using a timer at Step 506. Step 504 and Step 506may occur simultaneously. The timer and/or time loop is set based onuser input at Step 552. Step 522 is further described below. Step 506 isnot performed until certain times (e.g., total digestion time, gastricphase time, gastric emptying time) are identified for the digestionexperiment (e.g., input by the user and received by the computing device112) at Step 552. Step 552 is further discussed below.

The timer starts visualization, counting of time, and generating ofalerts, and/or collecting/transferring of samples. The computing device112 activates the cameras 110 and starts real-time visualization of thedigestion (in compartments 102, 104) in a GUI and/or recording of thedigestion at Step 508. Automatically, and periodically (e.g., every 10minutes), based on the current time determined at Step 514, thecomputing device 112 reminds (e.g., using voice alert) the user that thetime elapsed at Step 516. If time is equal to, for example, 0, 14, 29,59, 79, or 119 minutes, based on the current time determined at Step518, the computing device 112 reminds (e.g., using voice alerts) theuser to collect gastric samples or, if automated, that gastric samplesare being collected at Step 520. The gastric samples may be used, suchas by the user, for further analysis. If time is equal to, for example,39, 69, 99, 129, or 159 minutes, based on the current time determined atStep 522, the computing device 112 reminds (e.g., using voice alerts)the user to collect intestinal samples or, if automated, that intestinalsamples are being collected at Step 524. The intestinal samples may beused, such as by the user, for further analysis. If time is equal to,for example, 30 minutes or every 10 minutes thereafter until the end ofdigestion, based on the current time determined at Step 526, thecomputing device 112 reminds (e.g., using voice alerts) the user totransfer intestinal samples or, if automated, that intestinal samplesare being transferred to the intestinal compartment 104 at Step 528.Although FIG. 5 illustrates four alerts (and corresponding tasks), moreor less alerts may be implemented. The loop 506 continues when the timeris not yet up as determined at Step 510. When it is determined that thetimer is up at Step 510, the visualization and timing ends. In anembodiment, at this time, the computing device 112 may automaticallycreate one or more digital data reports containing comments, time ofdigestion, and all information received for the experiment (at Step562).

Subflow 500 b pertains to control of delivery of fluids and recording pHand temperature for the gastric and intestinal phases. At the beginningof the digestion experiment, the computing device 112 receivesparameters, such as total digestion time, gastric phase time, gastricemptying time, and volumes of different fluids to be delivered to eachcompartment, as input in a GUI from the user at Step 552. In anembodiment, information collected in Step 502 and parameters collectedin Step 552 may be collected simultaneously in the same GUI orsequentially in separate GUIs. When the user click on a “submit andstart” button, in an embodiment, after the parameters are input, thecomputing device 112 automatically calculates the frequency of eachfluid delivery (e.g., first fluid emptying frequency, second fluidemptying frequency), based on the parameters, at Step 554. The computingdevice 112 starts the time loop using the timer at Step 556. The sametimer may be used for the time loop at Step 556 and the time loop 506.

The timer starts controlling delivery of fluids and recordation ofsensor data. Periodically (e.g., every 5 seconds) and if the digestionis not completed, the computing device 112 automatically registers orrecords the pH and temperature of both phases at Step 558.Simultaneously, fluids are delivered automatically based on thefrequency calculated. Fluid delivery is further discussed below. Whenthe digestion is over (the time set at the beginning has passed) asdetermined at Step 560, the computing device 112 creates at least onedigital data file with the time, pH, temperature of both phases,frequency of each fluid delivery, and/or other calculated/monitoreddata, at Step 562. The at least one digital data file is created andstored in the data repository 114. The computing device 112 mayautomatically alert the user that the at least one digital file isavailable for access, such as a via a voice notification or via email(e.g., via automatic email address lookup based on user identificationprovided at Step 502). When the current time is less than the gastrictime, based on the current time determined at Step 564, it is determinedwhether the current time is less than the first gastric emptying time atStep 568. If it is determined that the current time is less than thefirst gastric emptying time at Step 568, it is determined whether thecurrent time is a multiple of the first fluid emptying frequency at Step570. If the current time is a multiple of the first fluid emptyingfrequency, then the first fluid is emptied at Step 572. If it isdetermined that the current time is not less than the first gastricemptying time at Step 568, then Step 570 is not performed. However, inboth instances, it is determined whether the current time is a multipleof the second fluid emptying frequency at Step 574. If the current timeis a multiple of the second fluid emptying frequency, then the secondfluid is emptied at Step 576. In an embodiment, the first fluid may beelectrolytic fluid, containing water, HCl, and calcium chloride, and thesecond fluid may contain an enzyme solution in water. When the currenttime is the gastric time as determined at Step 564, then the gastricphase ends. During the intestinal phase, fluids, including an enzymesolution and NaOH solution, are added every time there is a gastricemptying. In an embodiment, the enzyme solution and NaOH solution areadded before, at the same time, or after the gastric emptying.

4.0 Graphical User Interface Implementations

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate example graphical user interface (GUI) displays,according to an embodiment. FIG. 6A illustrates an example GUI 600 thatis configured to allow the user to provide experiment information for adigestion experiment. For example, the experiment information includesname of sample (e.g., oral food bolus), sample number, weight of thesample, scientist name, date, and optional comment. Once the informationis entered in GUI 600, the digestion experiment continues via a “submitand start” button.

FIG. 6B illustrates an example GUI 610 that is configured to allow theuser to provide configuration data (e.g., parameters) for the digestionexperiment. For example, configuration data includes digestion time,gastric phase time, an amount of electrolyte solution, an emptying time,and an amount of enzyme solution. Once the parameters are entered in GUI610, the digestion experiment continues via a “submit and start” button.

FIG. 6C illustrates an example GUI 620 that is configured to show inreal-time the gastric phase. The GUI 620 includes the experimentinformation, a real-time camera feed (of the Gastric compartment 102),what the real-time camera feed is of (e.g., stomach), and a commentssection. The comments section may be automatically populated by thecomputing device 112 with sensor data such as temperature, pH level,time lapse, etc. The comments section may also be manually input by theuser with user comments. The sensor data may be displayed in aseparately from the user comments in the GUI 620.

When the next phase (intestinal phase) has started, the user is able tomonitor the next phase via a next phase button. A GUI (not illustrated)is configured to show in real-time the intestinal phase and include areal-time camera feed of the Intestinal compartment 104 and a commentssection, which may be automatically populated by the computing device112 with sensor data and/or manually input by the user with usercomments. The user is able switch between monitoring the two phasesduring digestion time. In an embodiment, when viewing a particularphase, the user is able to control a particular revolving element forpositioning a coupled camera to capture different views of a compartmentassociated with that particular phase.

FIGS. 6D-6F illustrate example digital files, according to anembodiment. FIG. 6D illustrates an example pH and temperature report 650automatically generated by the computing device 112. The report 650 maybe a spreadsheet that includes all sensor data recorded by the computingdevice 112 during a digestion experiment. For example, columns in thereport show digestion times, gastric pH levels, gastric temperatures,intestinal pH, and intestinal temperatures. The computing device 112automatically names the report 650 and saves the report 650 in the datarepository 114 after digestion is completed.

FIGS. 6E and 6F illustrate an example report template 660 for which anautomatically generated digestion report is based on. The template 660begins on FIG. 6E and continues on FIG. 6F. The digestion report may bea spreadsheet that includes comments entered by the user prior to andduring the digestion and experiment planning information collected forthe digestion. For example, the digestion report may includecalculations determined for the digestion experiment, such as fluiddelivery frequencies.

In an embodiment, the computing device 112 may automatically inform auser of the stored digital files when they become available for access.In an embodiment, the digital data files and the multimedia files areautomatically named and stored in the data repository 114 according to aparticular data structure that allows the digital data files andmultimedia files to be served and/or read as quickly as possible.

5.0 Procedural Overview

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method 700 of using the desktopgastrointestinal simulator system, according to an embodiment. In FIG. 7, the method 700 begins at Step 702, where the desktop gastrointestinalsystem is assembled. The desktop gastrointestinal system includes agastric compartment 102, an intestinal compartment 104, a tank 106, apump 108, cameras 110, a computing device 112 hosting thegastrointestinal simulator software, a data repository 114, pH meters152, stirrers, syringes 154, tubes 156, 166, valves 160, 162, andvarious solutions including HCL and gastric solution, enzyme solutions,and NaOH solution.

The gastric compartment 102 and the intestinal compartment 104 arepositioned in a tank 106 which provides a thermoregulated bath. Thegastric compartment 102 includes a G-beaker 102 a with a sieve 102 clocated within and a G-lid 102 b covering the opening of the G-beaker102 a. The intestinal compartment 104 includes an I-beaker 104 a with anI-lid 104 b covering the opening of the I-beaker 104 a.

A tube couples the gastric compartment 102 and the intestinalcompartment 104 via the pump 108. A first end of the tube is coupledwith the sieve 102 c in the gastric compartment 102, and the tube passesthrough a hole in the G-lid 102 b and a hole in the I-lid 104 b suchthat a second end of the tube is inside the intestinal compartment 104.In this manner, in operation, particles of less than 2 mm in diametercollected in/by the sieve 102 c (gastric food bolus) move from thegastric compartment 102 to the intestinal compartment 104.

A pH meter, a stirrer, a sampling tube are inserted into a hole of eachlid 102 b, 104 b. The pH meter, the stirrer, and the sampling tube arein fluid communication with the matter in their respective beaker 102 a,104 a. The sampling tube is coupled with a syringe for sampling thematter.

A first solution source including HCl and gastric solution withelectrolytes and a second solution source including enzyme solution arecoupled with the gastric compartment 102 via tubes, wherein first endsof these tubes are coupled with different solution sources and secondends of these tubes are coupled with the holes of the G-lid 102 b fordelivering solutions into the G-beaker 102 a.

A third solution source including NaOH solution and a fourth solutionsource including enzyme solution are coupled with the intestinalcompartment 104 via tubes, wherein first ends of these tubes are coupledwith different solution sources and second ends of these tubes arecoupled with the holes of the I-lid 104 b for delivering solutions intothe I-beaker 104 a. The second solution source and the fourth solutionsource may be the same source or different sources.

In an embodiment, a decantation funnel may be utilized to hold differentsolutions. For example, the decantation funnel may hold the HCl andgastric solution with electrolytes and the enzyme solution. In such aconfiguration, the decantation funnel holds the first solution sourceand the second solution source. The decantation funnel may be coupledwith multiple pass-through valves to release the different solutions inthe decantation funnel. Gravity, instead of pumps, is used to add thesolutions into the compartments 102, 104.

Two cameras 110 are positioned in the tank 106 such that the gastriccompartment 102 is in a field of view of one camera 110 and theintestinal compartment 104 is in a field of view of the other camera110. Each of the cameras 110 may be coupled with a revolving elementthat allows the camera to revolve around a respective compartment.

At least the computing device 112, the tank 106, the pump 108, thecameras 110, the pH meters 152, the stirrers, the thermometer, thevalves 160, 162, and the data repository 114 are communicativelycoupled. The computing device 112 controls and monitors the digestionexperiment.

At Step 704, oral food bolus is added to the G-beaker 102 a. In anembodiment, the oral food bolus is manually added via a hole in theG-lid 102 b configured for the oral food bolus inlet.

After the oral food bolus is added to the G-beaker 102 a, digestionbegins. Simultaneously during the following Steps 706-710, pH levels ofthe compartments 102, 104, the temperature of the tank 106, the cameras110, the pump 108, the valves 160, 162, and the stirrers are monitoredand/or controlled by the computing device 112. In an embodiment, duringdigestion, the temperature of the tank 106 is maintained at 37° C. or98.6° F., the pH level of the gastric digestion is maintained at 2.0,and the pH level of intestinal digestion is maintained at 7.0.

At Step 706, matter in the G-beaker 102 a are mixed using the stirrerwhile various gastric phase solutions are added to the G-beaker 102 a atone or more times to maintain the pH level of the gastric digestion at2.0. The matter is mixed for at least an identified amount of time(e.g., gastric phase time). The gastric phase solutions includesolutions from the first solution source and the second solution source.During mixing, solids inside the G-beaker 102 a start to break apartinto particles. Particles smaller than 2 mm in diameter are collected bythe sieve 102 c in the G-beaker 102 a.

At Step 708, the particles collected by the sieve 102 c (gastric foodbolus) are transferred from the G-beaker 102 a to the I-beaker 104 a viathe tube coupling the gastric compartment 102 and the intestinalcompartment 104. The pump 108 facilitates the transfer of theseparticles through the tube from the gastric compartment 102 to theintestinal compartment 104. The transferring of the particles occurperiodically during the digestion time. For example, the transfer mayoccur at 30 minutes into the digestion experiment and every 10 minutesthereafter until the digestion ends.

At Step 710, matter in the I-beaker 104 a are mixed using the stirrerwhile various intestinal phase solutions are added to the I-beaker 104 aat one or more times to maintain the pH level of the intestinaldigestion at 7.0. The intestinal phase solutions include solutions fromthe third solution source and the fourth solution source.

Simultaneously during the above Steps 706-710, the computing device 112records sensor data (e.g., pH level data and temperature data), streamsa live video feed(s) of the digestion, and generates alerts, such as viavoice alerts, of time remaining and to collect samples from thecompartments. In an embodiment, samples may be drawn using syringes andthrough tubes that are in communication with matter in the compartments102, 104.

At 712, one or more digital data files are automatically generated andstored for the digestion. The digital files include sensor datacollected during digestion and information used for planning thedigestion. After the digital files are available for access, thecomputing device 112 alerts the user of such. In an embodiment, thedigital data files are stored together with multimedia files in the datarepository 114 according to a particular data structure that allows thedigital data files and multimedia files to be served and/or read asquickly as possible.

6.0 Hardware Overview

According to one embodiment, the techniques described herein areimplemented by at least one computing device. The techniques may beimplemented in whole or in part using a combination of at least oneserver computer and/or other computing devices that are coupled using anetwork, such as a packet data network. The computing devices may behard-wired to perform the techniques or may include digital electronicdevices such as at least one application-specific integrated circuit(ASIC) or field programmable gate array (FPGA) that is persistentlyprogrammed to perform the techniques or may include at least one generalpurpose hardware processor programmed to perform the techniques pursuantto program instructions in firmware, memory, other storage, or acombination. Such computing devices may also combine custom hard-wiredlogic, ASICs, or FPGAs with custom programming to accomplish thedescribed techniques. The computing devices may be server computers,workstations, personal computers, portable computer systems, handhelddevices, mobile computing devices, wearable devices, body mounted orimplantable devices, smartphones, smart appliances, internetworkingdevices, autonomous or semi-autonomous devices such as robots orunmanned ground or aerial vehicles, any other electronic device thatincorporates hard-wired and/or program logic to implement the describedtechniques, one or more virtual computing machines or instances in adata center, and/or a network of server computers and/or personalcomputers.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram that illustrates an example computer systemwith which an embodiment may be implemented. In the example of FIG. 8 ,a computer system 800 and instructions for implementing the disclosedtechnologies in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware andsoftware, are represented schematically, for example as boxes andcircles, at the same level of detail that is commonly used by persons ofordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains forcommunicating about computer architecture and computer systemsimplementations.

Computer system 800 includes an input/output (I/O) subsystem 802 whichmay include a bus and/or other communication mechanism(s) forcommunicating information and/or instructions between the components ofthe computer system 800 over electronic signal paths. The I/O subsystem802 may include an I/O controller, a memory controller and at least oneI/O port. The electronic signal paths are represented schematically inthe drawings, for example as lines, unidirectional arrows, orbidirectional arrows.

At least one hardware processor 804 is coupled to I/O subsystem 802 forprocessing information and instructions. Hardware processor 804 mayinclude, for example, a general-purpose microprocessor ormicrocontroller and/or a special-purpose microprocessor such as anembedded system or a graphics processing unit (GPU) or a digital signalprocessor or ARM processor. Processor 804 may comprise an integratedarithmetic logic unit (ALU) or may be coupled to a separate ALU.

Computer system 800 includes one or more units of memory 806, such as amain memory, which is coupled to I/O subsystem 802 for electronicallydigitally storing data and instructions to be executed by processor 804.Memory 806 may include volatile memory such as various forms ofrandom-access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device. Memory 806also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediateinformation during execution of instructions to be executed by processor804. Such instructions, when stored in non-transitory computer-readablestorage media accessible to processor 804, can render computer system800 into a special-purpose machine that is customized to perform theoperations specified in the instructions.

Computer system 800 further includes non-volatile memory such as readonly memory (ROM) 808 or other static storage device coupled to I/Osubsystem 802 for storing information and instructions for processor804. The ROM 808 may include various forms of programmable ROM (PROM)such as erasable PROM (EPROM) or electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM). Aunit of persistent storage 810 may include various forms of non-volatileRAM (NVRAM), such as FLASH memory, or solid-state storage, magneticdisk, or optical disk such as CD-ROM or DVD-ROM and may be coupled toI/O subsystem 802 for storing information and instructions. Storage 810is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium that may beused to store instructions and data which when executed by the processor804 cause performing computer-implemented methods to execute thetechniques herein.

The instructions in memory 806, ROM 808 or storage 810 may comprise oneor more sets of instructions that are organized as modules, methods,objects, functions, routines, or calls. The instructions may beorganized as one or more computer programs, operating system services,or application programs including mobile apps. The instructions maycomprise an operating system and/or system software; one or morelibraries to support multimedia, programming or other functions; dataprotocol instructions or stacks to implement TCP/IP, HTTP or othercommunication protocols; file format processing instructions to parse orrender files coded using HTML, XML, JPEG, MPEG or PNG; user interfaceinstructions to render or interpret commands for a graphical userinterface (GUI), command-line interface or text user interface;application software such as an office suite, internet accessapplications, design and manufacturing applications, graphicsapplications, audio applications, software engineering applications,educational applications, games or miscellaneous applications. Theinstructions may implement a web server, web application server or webclient. The instructions may be organized as a presentation layer,application layer and data storage layer such as a relational databasesystem using structured query language (SQL) or no SQL, an object store,a graph database, a flat file system or other data storage.

Computer system 800 may be coupled via I/O subsystem 802 to at least oneoutput device 812. In one embodiment, output device 812 is a digitalcomputer display. Examples of a display that may be used in variousembodiments include a touch screen display or a light-emitting diode(LED) display or a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an e-paper display.Computer system 800 may include other type(s) of output devices 812,alternatively or in addition to a display device. Examples of otheroutput devices 812 include printers, ticket printers, plotters,projectors, sound cards or video cards, speakers, buzzers orpiezoelectric devices or other audible devices, lamps or LED or LCDindicators, haptic devices, actuators, or servos.

At least one input device 814 is coupled to I/O subsystem 802 forcommunicating signals, data, command selections or gestures to processor804. Examples of input devices 814 include touch screens, microphones,still and video digital cameras, alphanumeric and other keys, keypads,keyboards, graphics tablets, image scanners, joysticks, clocks,switches, buttons, dials, slides, and/or various types of sensors suchas force sensors, motion sensors, heat sensors, accelerometers,gyroscopes, and inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors and/or varioustypes of transceivers such as wireless, such as cellular or Wi-Fi, radiofrequency (RF) or infrared (IR) transceivers and Global PositioningSystem (GPS) transceivers.

Another type of input device is a control device 816, which may performcursor control or other automated control functions such as navigationin a graphical interface on a display screen, alternatively or inaddition to input functions. Control device 816 may be a touchpad, amouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating directioninformation and command selections to processor 804 and for controllingcursor movement on display. The input device may have at least twodegrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis(e.g., y), that allows the device to specify positions in a plane.Another type of input device is a wired, wireless, or optical controldevice such as a joystick, wand, console, steering wheel, pedal,gearshift mechanism or other type of control device. An input device 814may include a combination of multiple different input devices, such as avideo camera and a depth sensor.

In another embodiment, computer system 800 may comprise an internet ofthings (IoT) device in which one or more of the output devices 812,input device 814, and control device 816 are omitted. Or, in such anembodiment, the input device 814 may comprise one or more cameras,motion detectors, thermometers, microphones, seismic detectors, othersensors or detectors, measurement devices or encoders and the outputdevice 812 may comprise a special-purpose display such as a single-lineLED or LCD display, one or more indicators, a display panel, a meter, avalve, a solenoid, an actuator or a servo.

When computer system 800 is a mobile computing device, input device 814may comprise a global positioning system (GPS) receiver coupled to a GPSmodule that is capable of triangulating to a plurality of GPSsatellites, determining and generating geo-location or position datasuch as latitude-longitude values for a geophysical location of thecomputer system 800. Output device 812 may include hardware, software,firmware and interfaces for generating position reporting packets,notifications, pulse or heartbeat signals, or other recurring datatransmissions that specify a position of the computer system 800, aloneor in combination with other application-specific data, directed towardhost 824 or server 830.

Computer system 800 may implement the techniques described herein usingcustomized hard-wired logic, at least one ASIC or FPGA, firmware and/orprogram instructions or logic which when loaded and used or executed incombination with the computer system causes or programs the computersystem to operate as a special-purpose machine. According to oneembodiment, the techniques herein are performed by computer system 800in response to processor 804 executing at least one sequence of at leastone instruction contained in main memory 806. Such instructions may beread into main memory 806 from another storage medium, such as storage810. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in main memory806 causes processor 804 to perform the process steps described herein.In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place ofor in combination with software instructions.

The term “storage media” as used herein refers to any non-transitorymedia that store data and/or instructions that cause a machine tooperation in a specific fashion. Such storage media may comprisenon-volatile media and/or volatile media. Non-volatile media includes,for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage 810. Volatilemedia includes dynamic memory, such as memory 806. Common forms ofstorage media include, for example, a hard disk, solid state drive,flash drive, magnetic data storage medium, any optical or physical datastorage medium, memory chip, or the like.

Storage media is distinct from but may be used in conjunction withtransmission media. Transmission media participates in transferringinformation between storage media. For example, transmission mediaincludes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including thewires that comprise a bus of I/O subsystem 802. Transmission media canalso take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generatedduring radio-wave and infra-red data communications.

Various forms of media may be involved in carrying at least one sequenceof at least one instruction to processor 804 for execution. For example,the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk orsolid-state drive of a remote computer. The remote computer can load theinstructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over acommunication link such as a fiber optic or coaxial cable or telephoneline using a modem. A modem or router local to computer system 800 canreceive the data on the communication link and convert the data to aformat that can be read by computer system 800. For instance, a receiversuch as a radio frequency antenna or an infrared detector can receivethe data carried in a wireless or optical signal and appropriatecircuitry can provide the data to I/O subsystem 802 such as place thedata on a bus. I/O subsystem 802 carries the data to memory 806, fromwhich processor 804 retrieves and executes the instructions. Theinstructions received by memory 806 may optionally be stored on storage810 either before or after execution by processor 804.

Computer system 800 also includes a communication interface 818 coupledto bus 802. Communication interface 818 provides a two-way datacommunication coupling to network link(s) 820 that are directly orindirectly connected to at least one communication networks, such as anetwork 822 or a public or private cloud on the Internet. For example,communication interface 818 may be an Ethernet networking interface,integrated-services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem, satellitemodem, or a modem to provide a data communication connection to acorresponding type of communications line, for example an Ethernet cableor a metal cable of any kind or a fiber-optic line or a telephone line.Network 822 broadly represents a local area network (LAN), wide-areanetwork (WAN), campus network, internetwork, or any combination thereof.Communication interface 818 may comprise a LAN card to provide a datacommunication connection to a compatible LAN, or a cellularradiotelephone interface that is wired to send or receive cellular dataaccording to cellular radiotelephone wireless networking standards, or asatellite radio interface that is wired to send or receive digital dataaccording to satellite wireless networking standards. In any suchimplementation, communication interface 818 sends and receiveselectrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals over signal paths thatcarry digital data streams representing various types of information.

Network link 820 typically provides electrical, electromagnetic, oroptical data communication directly or through at least one network toother data devices, using, for example, satellite, cellular, Wi-Fi, orBLUETOOTH technology. For example, network link 820 may provide aconnection through a network 822 to a host computer 824.

Furthermore, network link 820 may provide a connection through network822 or to other computing devices via internetworking devices and/orcomputers that are operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 826.ISP 826 provides data communication services through a world-wide packetdata communication network represented as internet 828. A servercomputer 830 may be coupled to internet 828. Server 830 broadlyrepresents any computer, data center, virtual machine, or virtualcomputing instance with or without a hypervisor, or computer executing acontainerized program system such as DOCKER or KUBERNETES. Server 830may represent an electronic digital service that is implemented usingmore than one computer or instance and that is accessed and used bytransmitting web services requests, uniform resource locator (URL)strings with parameters in HTTP payloads, API calls, app services calls,or other service calls. Computer system 800 and server 830 may formelements of a distributed computing system that includes othercomputers, a processing cluster, server farm or other organization ofcomputers that cooperate to perform tasks or execute applications orservices. Server 830 may comprise one or more sets of instructions thatare organized as modules, methods, objects, functions, routines, orcalls. The instructions may be organized as one or more computerprograms, operating system services, or application programs includingmobile apps. The instructions may comprise an operating system and/orsystem software; one or more libraries to support multimedia,programming or other functions; data protocol instructions or stacks toimplement TCP/IP, HTTP or other communication protocols; file formatprocessing instructions to parse or render files coded using HTML, XML,JPEG, MPEG or PNG; user interface instructions to render or interpretcommands for a graphical user interface (GUI), command-line interface ortext user interface; application software such as an office suite,internet access applications, design and manufacturing applications,graphics applications, audio applications, software engineeringapplications, educational applications, games or miscellaneousapplications. Server 830 may comprise a web application server thathosts a presentation layer, application layer and data storage layersuch as a relational database system using structured query language(SQL) or no SQL, an object store, a graph database, a flat file systemor other data storage.

Computer system 800 can send messages and receive data and instructions,including program code, through the network(s), network link 820 andcommunication interface 818. In the Internet example, a server 830 mighttransmit a requested code for an application program through Internet828, ISP 826, local network 822 and communication interface 818. Thereceived code may be executed by processor 804 as it is received, and/orstored in storage 810, or other non-volatile storage for laterexecution.

The execution of instructions as described in this section may implementa process in the form of an instance of a computer program that is beingexecuted and consisting of program code and its current activity.Depending on the operating system (OS), a process may be made up ofmultiple threads of execution that execute instructions concurrently. Inthis context, a computer program is a passive collection ofinstructions, while a process may be the actual execution of thoseinstructions. Several processes may be associated with the same program;for example, opening up several instances of the same program oftenmeans more than one process is being executed. Multitasking may beimplemented to allow multiple processes to share processor 804. Whileeach processor 804 or core of the processor executes a single task at atime, computer system 800 may be programmed to implement multitasking toallow each processor to switch between tasks that are being executedwithout having to wait for each task to finish. In an embodiment,switches may be performed when tasks perform input/output operations,when a task indicates that it can be switched, or on hardwareinterrupts. Time-sharing may be implemented to allow fast response forinteractive user applications by rapidly performing context switches toprovide the appearance of concurrent execution of multiple processessimultaneously. In an embodiment, for security and reliability, anoperating system may prevent direct communication between independentprocesses, providing strictly mediated and controlled inter-processcommunication functionality.

7.0 Software Overview

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a basic software system 900 that may beemployed for controlling the operation of computing device 800. Softwaresystem 900 and its components, including their connections,relationships, and functions, is meant to be exemplary only, and notmeant to limit implementations of the example embodiment(s). Othersoftware systems suitable for implementing the example embodiment(s) mayhave different components, including components with differentconnections, relationships, and functions.

Software system 900 is provided for directing the operation of computingdevice 800. Software system 900, which may be stored in system memory(RAM) 806 and on fixed storage (e.g., hard disk or flash memory) 810,includes a kernel or operating system (OS) 910.

The OS 910 manages low-level aspects of computer operation, includingmanaging execution of processes, memory allocation, file input andoutput (I/O), and device I/O. One or more application programs,represented as 902A, 902B, 902C . . . 902N, may be “loaded” (e.g.,transferred from fixed storage 810 into memory 806) for execution by thesystem 900. The applications or other software intended for use ondevice 900 may also be stored as a set of downloadablecomputer-executable instructions, for example, for downloading andinstallation from an Internet location (e.g., a Web server, an appstore, or other online service).

Software system 900 includes a graphical user interface (GUI) 915, forreceiving user commands and data in a graphical (e.g., “point-and-click”or “touch gesture”) fashion. These inputs, in turn, may be acted upon bythe system 900 in accordance with instructions from operating system 910and/or application(s) 902. The GUI 915 also serves to display theresults of operation from the OS 910 and application(s) 902, whereuponthe user may supply additional inputs or terminate the session (e.g.,log off).

OS 910 can execute directly on the bare hardware 920 (e.g., processor(s)804) of device 800. Alternatively, a hypervisor or virtual machinemonitor (VMM) 930 may be interposed between the bare hardware 920 andthe OS 910. In this configuration, VMM 930 acts as a software “cushion”or virtualization layer between the OS 910 and the bare hardware 920 ofthe device 800.

VMM 930 instantiates and runs one or more virtual machine instances(“guest machines”). Each guest machine comprises a “guest” operatingsystem, such as OS 910, and one or more applications, such asapplication(s) 902, designed to execute on the guest operating system.The VMM 930 presents the guest operating systems with a virtualoperating platform and manages the execution of the guest operatingsystems.

In some instances, the VMM 930 may allow a guest operating system to runas if it is running on the bare hardware 920 of device 800 directly. Inthese instances, the same version of the guest operating systemconfigured to execute on the bare hardware 920 directly may also executeon VMM 930 without modification or reconfiguration. In other words, VMM930 may provide full hardware and CPU virtualization to a guestoperating system in some instances.

In other instances, a guest operating system may be specially designedor configured to execute on VMM 930 for efficiency. In these instances,the guest operating system is “aware” that it executes on a virtualmachine monitor. In other words, VMM 930 may provide para-virtualizationto a guest operating system in some instances.

The above-described basic computer hardware and software is presentedfor purpose of illustrating the basic underlying computer componentsthat may be employed for implementing the example embodiment(s). Theexample embodiment(s), however, are not necessarily limited to anyparticular computing environment or computing device configuration.Instead, the example embodiment(s) may be implemented in any type ofsystem architecture or processing environment that one skilled in theart, in light of this disclosure, would understand as capable ofsupporting the features and functions of the example embodiment(s)presented herein.

8.0 Other Aspects Of Disclosure

Although some of the figures described in the foregoing specificationinclude flow diagrams with steps that are shown in an order, the stepsmay be performed in any order, and are not limited to the order shown inthose flowcharts. Additionally, some steps may be optional, may beperformed multiple times, and/or may be performed by differentcomponents. All steps, operations and functions of a flow diagram thatare described herein are intended to indicate operations that areperformed using programming in a special-purpose computer orgeneral-purpose computer, in various embodiments. In other words, eachflow diagram in this disclosure, in combination with the related textherein, is a guide, plan or specification of all or part of an algorithmfor programming a computer to execute the functions that are described.The level of skill in the field associated with this disclosure is knownto be high, and therefore the flow diagrams and related text in thisdisclosure have been prepared to convey information at a level ofsufficiency and detail that is normally expected in the field whenskilled persons communicate among themselves with respect to programs,algorithms and their implementation.

In the foregoing specification, the example embodiment(s) of the presentinvention have been described with reference to numerous specificdetails. However, the details may vary from implementation toimplementation according to the requirements of the particular implementat hand. The example embodiment(s) are, accordingly, to be regarded inan illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. An in vitro simulator of a human gastrointestinal system, comprising: a thermoregulated bath maintained a specific temperature; a first beaker positioned inside the thermoregulated bath, wherein an opening of the first beaker is covered by a first lid, wherein the first beaker includes a sieve configured to separate out particles smaller than a particular size; a second beaker positioned inside the thermoregulated bath, wherein an opening of the second beaker is covered by a second lid; a delivery channel passing through the first lid and the second lid, wherein the delivery channel includes a first channel end coupling with the sieve and a second channel end positioned inside the second beaker; wherein the in vitro simulator mimics in vivo conditions of the human gastrointestinal system.
 2. The in vitro simulator of claim 1, wherein each of the first lid and the second lid comprises a plurality of holes adapted and configured to receive a pH meter, a stirrer, and a plurality of tubes.
 3. The in vitro simulator of claim 2, further comprising at least one decantation funnel holding a plurality of solutions for digestion.
 4. The in vitro simulator of claim 3, wherein the plurality of solutions are added to the first beaker and the second beaker, via the plurality of tubes, using gravity.
 5. The in vitro simulator of claim 2, further comprising syringes coupled to a portion of the plurality of tubes for sampling matter in the first beaker and the second beaker.
 6. The in vitro simulator of claim 1, wherein the particular size is 2 mm in diameter.
 7. The in vitro simulator of claim 1, further comprising: a first camera positioned inside the thermoregulated bath, wherein the first camera captures gastric digestion occurring inside the first beaker; and a second camera positioned inside the thermoregulated bath, wherein the second camera captures intestinal digestion occurring inside the second beaker.
 8. The in vitro simulator of claim 1, wherein the sieve comprises a plurality of pores on at least a surface of the sieve such that the particles smaller than the particular size enter through the plurality of pores into an interior chamber formed by the sieve, and a hole sized and configured to receive the delivery channel coupling the first beaker and the second beaker.
 9. The in vitro simulator of claim 1, wherein the first lid includes a plurality of holes including: a first hole adapted as an oral food bolus inlet; a second hole adapted and configured to receive a first pH meter; a third hole adapted and configured to receive a first sampling tube for sampling matter from the first beaker; a fourth hole adapted and configured to receive a first stirrer; a fifth hole adapted and configured to receive a first solution delivery tube for a HCl and gastric solution delivery; a sixth hole adapted and configured to receive a second solution delivery tube for enzyme solution delivery; a seventh hole adapted as a gastric food bolus outlet.
 10. The in vitro simulator of claim 9, further comprising: the first pH meter inserted through the second hole and configured to take pH readings of matter inside the first beaker; the first sampling tube inserted through the third hole such that a first end of the first sampling tube is in fluid communication with the matter inside the first beaker; a first syringe coupled with a second end of the first sampling tube for sampling the matter inside the first beaker; the first stirrer inserted through the fourth hole, the first stirrer including a paddle and a motor for mixing the matter inside the first beaker; the first solution delivery tube having a first end of the first solution delivery tube coupled with the fifth hole; a first solution source coupled with a second end of the first solution delivery tube for delivery of the HCl and gastric solution to the first beaker via the first solution delivery tube; the second solution delivery tube having a first end of the second solution delivery tube coupled with the sixth hole; a second solution source coupled with a second end of the second solution delivery tube for delivery of the enzyme solution to the first beaker via the second solution delivery tube; a bolus delivery tube inserted through the seventh hole such that a first end of the bolus delivery tube is coupled with the sieve.
 11. The in vitro simulator of claim 1, wherein the second lid includes a plurality of holes including: a first hole adapted as a gastric food bolus inlet; a second hole adapted and configured to receive a second pH meter; a third hole adapted and configured to receive a second sampling tube for sampling matter from the second beaker; a fourth hole adapted and configured to receive a second stirrer; a fifth hole adapted and configured to receive a third solution delivery tube for enzyme solution delivery; a sixth hole adapted and configured to receive a fourth solution delivery tube for NaOH solution delivery.
 12. The in vitro simulator of claim 11, further comprising: the second pH meter inserted through the second hole and configured to take pH readings of matter inside the second beaker; the second sampling tube inserted through the third hole such that a first end of the second sampling tube is in fluid communication with the matter inside the second beaker; a second syringe coupled with a second end of the second sampling tube for sampling the matter inside the second beaker; the second stirrer inserted through the fourth hole, the second stirrer including a paddle and a motor for mixing the matter inside the second beaker; the third solution delivery tube having a first end of the third solution delivery tube coupled with the fifth hole; a third solution source coupled with a second end of the third solution delivery tube for delivery of the enzyme solution to the second beaker via the third delivery tube; the fourth solution delivery tube having a first end of the fourth solution delivery tube coupled with the sixth hole; a fourth solution source coupled with a second end of the fourth solution delivery tube for delivery of the NaOH solution to the second beaker via the fourth solution delivery tube; a bolus delivery tube inserted through the first hole such that a first end of the bolus delivery tube is coupled with the sieve and a second end of the bolus delivery tube coupled with the first hole.
 13. The in vitro simulator of claim 1, further comprising a first camera and a second camera, wherein the first camera is positioned such that at least a portion of the first beaker is in a field of view of the first camera and the second camera is positioned such that at least a portion of the second beaker is in a field of view of the second camera.
 14. The in vitro simulator of claim 1, further comprising a pump and a computing device communicatively coupled with the pump and the tank.
 15. The in vitro simulator of claim 14, wherein the computing device receives parameters as input from a graphical user interface to begin a digestion experiment and, based on the parameters and during the digestion experiment, maintains the tank at a particular temperature, maintains pH levels of matter in the first beaker and the second beaker, generates audible alerts, and controls the pump to facilitate the transfer of the particles collected by the sieve from the first beaker to the second beaker.
 16. The in vitro simulator of claim 15, wherein the computing device automatically generates and formats at least one digital data file the digestion experiment is completed, wherein the at least one digital data file contains sensor data generated by one or more sensors during the digestion experiment.
 17. The in vitro simulator of claim 15, wherein the computing device is configured to render on a display a graphical user interface that includes a live video stream of the digestion experiment from a camera.
 18. The in vitro simulator of claim 15, wherein the audible alerts includes alerts to collect samples from the first and second beakers.
 19. The in vitro simulator of claim 1, further comprising a rack positioned above the thermoregulated bath, wherein the rack is configured to hold one or more solution sources above the first beaker and the second beaker such that one or more solutions added therefrom to the first beaker and the second beaker are facilitated by gravity.
 20. An in vitro simulator of a human gastrointestinal system, comprising: a thermoregulated bath; a first beaker positioned inside the thermoregulated bath, wherein an opening of the first beaker is covered by a removable first lid, wherein the first beaker includes a sieve configured to separate out particles smaller than a particular size; a second beaker positioned inside the thermoregulated bath, wherein an opening of the second beaker is covered by a removable second lid; a delivery channel passing through the first lid and the second lid, wherein the delivery channel includes a first channel end coupling with the sieve and a second channel end positioned inside the second beaker; wherein the in vitro simulator mimics in vivo conditions of the human gastrointestinal system. 